Is this feed suitable for a mixed flock?

[Cazook]

I've been trying to find a chicken feed that has enough protein for layers but not the calcium for layer feed. The closest around seems to be either 'grower feed' which is 14.5-15% protein (too low) or chick crumb which is 20% protein (too high). I've got cockerels, hens, pullets, chicks and ducks all floating around here so the feed sorta needs to be suitable for all of them (chicks get chick crumb, but in case they snack on the adult food)

I found this, which is marketed as "duck and goose" pellets but reading the ingredients it seems pretty identical to what is marketed as 'all-flock' in the states. Is there anything missing from this that would make it unsuitable for the chickens?

Description:

"complete compound feedingstuff for gamebirds, wildfowl & domestic poultry"

Composition:

oil&fats 4.0%
crude protein 17.0%
crude fibre 7%
sodium 0.15%
calcium 0.76%
phosphorous 0.66%
lysine 0.68%
methionine 0.28%

then a big list of vitamins, trace elements + enzymes.


Thanks!

 

[Tre3hugger]

I feed a 20% protein all flock pellet. I will get the 17% protein Dumor option if TSC is out of the 20% I feed multiple age male and female chickens with it, as well as my adult guineas and quail. Everyone seems to do fine.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

By this comment, "in the states", I assume the OP is on the other side of the Pond from us, @Tre3hugger .

I'd be interested in the niacin levels, @Cazook , since ducks need roughly twice what chickens do (though chickens aren't harmed by reasonable - duck level - amounts of "extra" niacin in their feed), and that's a tad fatty for my tastes, but yes, otherwise, its checking off the right boxes for a multi-breed, multi gender, multi-age flock. I'd also look for higher protein, though it appears to me that the Continent generally favors lower protein feeds, on average, as compared to the US.

and of course you will need a source of additional calcium for your layers - offering oyster shell or similar, free choice.

You might find this US reference useful for "target" nutrients on Ducks Sources vary, of course, but its consistent with others I've read, and better organized than most

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

A nice bonus to feeding a higher protein ration is that you can give low protein snacks without too much concern about “diluting” the protein below the level they need. Things like grass, weeds, greens, fruit and veg scraps.

Depending on where you are overseas, feeding food scraps may not be legal - check local regulations.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've been trying to find a chicken feed that has enough protein for layers but not the calcium for layer feed.

The Duck and Goose pellets look good to me.
Nutrina Feather Fixer with 4% fat is the maximum I've fed in the past and should be fine.
Nutrina says that you can feed it year round.

Protein 17% is lower than the 18% minimum I prefer for my chickens but should be OK if you limit Scratch Grains and veggies.

If you Free range I would feed the Chick crumb 20% feed. GC

 

[Cazook]

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

Depending on where you are overseas, feeding food scraps may not be legal - check local regulations.

Really? Any particular reason for that?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really? Any particular reason for that?

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...craps-to-farm-animals-because-of-disease-risk

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...craps-to-farm-animals-because-of-disease-risk

Wow! I hadn't thought about that, but it makes sense. Thanks!